A 2008 report from Pinnacle Design Consultants has been referenced multiple times in recent weeks during discussions surrounding the fate of the Fine Arts Building. But what exactly did it say?
The Houston Herald has obtained a copy of the structural building evaluation report produced Aug. 8, 2008, by Ronald Hamme, P.E., of the Springfield firm. He addressed his findings to Dr. Dan Vandiver, the superintendent at that time of the Houston R-1 School District.
Hamme said in the letter that he inspected the building –– erected in 1921 –– on July 23, 2008. He said he was analyzing the structure for suitability of occupancy. Hamme divided the building into three sections.
In area A –– framing above the lower hallway –– Hamme said the framing was “inadequate” for loading conditions and would need to be reinforced to accommodate the required loading.
Area B –– classrooms on the front side of the building –– was also declared “inadequate” for loading conditions by Hamme. He said less work would be required to reinforce the area compared to A.
Hamme said area C ––above the auditorium –– had joints capable of supporting the classroom loads, but they needed to be reinforced to support office loading. He said beams that support the joints were inaccessible to inspect and that further modifications might be needed.
On the exterior, Hamme photographed cracks in the foundation walls that he said were most likely caused from settlement. He said the cause of the settlement might be attributed to drainage and runoff. He cited downspouts around the exterior of the building that were not properly draining water away from the facility.
Hamme listed the required work to reinforce the floor joints but did not list a price. He also said his analysis did not address lateral loading, roof work or upgrades to plumbing, electrical or H.V.A.C. systems. He also did not address any work necessary to remediate unsuitable materials such as asbestos.
The district chose not to make the improvements to the building and deemed it “structurally unsound.” The facility was used for storage for several years before being declared dangerous and closed two years ago.
The school board approved seeking bids for demolition of the structure in January and has four bids to consider at Tuesday’s monthly meeting.
PDF: 2008 Pinnacle Design Consultants report